Author: Bernie Griffiths

Nothing stays the same right?

And sometimes, you have to let go of the old, to make way for the new.

For some photography business owners this is hard.

They stubbornly cling to antiquated marketing ideas, but the world has moved on.

They keep trying to sell stale images and outdated products, while the market is crying out for the new and fresh photography and the more trendy products .

It’s a big mistake… but I see it all the time.

Over the forty plus years, I’ve come to a conclusion… a conclusion that will help you and your photography business in the uncertain times that are ahead.

And it is this …

The only way to survive and thrive in your business is through constant re-invention of forever changing and adapting to what your market wants.

Coaching photographers around the globe I have a great insight into the style of photography that people want and the products that they are paying thousands of dollars for.

Would you like to know what these are?

Create a Booming Photography Business – Grab my FREE Gift here

Nothing stays the same right?

And sometimes, you have to let go of the old, to make way for the new.

For some photography business owners this is hard.

They stubbornly cling to antiquated marketing ideas, but the world has moved on.

They keep trying to sell stale images and outdated products, while the market is crying out for the new and fresh photography and the more trendy products .

It’s a big mistake… but I see it all the time.

Over the forty plus years, I’ve come to a conclusion… a conclusion that will help you and your photography business in the uncertain times that are ahead.

And it is this …

The only way to survive and thrive in your business is through constant re-invention of forever changing and adapting to what your market wants.

Coaching photographers in their businesses around the globe, I have a great insight into the style of photography that people want and the products that they are paying thousands of dollars for.

Would you like to know what these are?

Contact me and let’s have a FREE Zoom chat on what you should be doing in 2021. Email me at bernie@berniegriffiths.com with subject line 2021.

The world wide baby boom a few years ago, created a boom of new born photographers.
 
Most newborn photographers photograph newborns in a very similar fashion. 
 
As a business coach I talk a lot about how a photographer should separate themselves from other photographers, and stand out from the rest.
 
The time the majority of Newborn photographers spend on the photography session itself, the culling of the images, the post production, I have heard can be up to 12 hours.
 
This is an enormous amount of time when you realise that most newborn photographers would average less  than $1,000 per session.
 
When I photographed newborns, one of the criteria that I set myself was to photograph the baby with its eyes open.
 
You may think that it is not possible to photograph a newborn with its eyes open, but I did it all of the time.
 
Just as there is a technique for putting a baby to sleep, so I created a technique for waking a baby up, enabling me to capture a variety of expressions in a short amount of time.
 
Usually my newborn baby sessions took a maximum of an hour, and my average sales were a lot higher than the majority of newborn baby photographers around today.  
 
The eyes are the most compelling part of any portrait, for they are indeed the windows to the soul.
 
A parent rarely sees their newborns eyes, as we know young babies are usually sleeping, crying, or feeding.
 
My challenge was to capture the heart of the baby, the many different expressions, and the unique delicate character of a brand new human being, rather than put them into a “one size fits all” prop.
 
I also set out to record the parents deep love, uncertainty, and great bond with their new addition, so the parents were always included in many of the photographs.
 
This also helped give some idea of the fragile size of the baby, compared to an adult.
 
BUT the main reason that I photographed newborns this way, was to give me separation from other photographers, and to maximise my sales, which I was able to do by taking a greater variety of images.
 
I told my prospective clients that I DIDN’T put babies into unnatural positions, place them into flower pots, or wrap them like they were still in the womb,
but that I took a more sensitive and classic approach of producing images that would not date, and that their baby would not be embarrassed to look at on their 21st birthday.
 
Keeping the photography session to one hour made good business sense, in that I could do many sessions a week, and my post production time was minimal.
 
As you can see that I am only coming from the BUSINESS perspective, rather than from the creative one.
 
It’s ok to be a follower…………. but it’s much better to be a leader.
 
It makes good BUSINESS sense to make the transition to step away from the herd, and create your own unique style of photographing newborns.
 
I am sure that if, and when you do, you will have a very successful newborn photography business.

I am at present coaching 4 Newborn photographers and they are working “smarter not harder” and achieving great financial rewards.

My philosophy for business has always been “ If It Is To Be…..Then It Is Up To Me.”

Need some help?

Create a Booming Photography Business – Grab my FREE Gift here

This interview will be featured in a Celebrity Experts book series, podcast series, online training program, OTT TV show and Summit.

MILLIONAIRES ACADEMY

Genuine advice to help photographer scale to 7 Figures and survive to enjoy it!

Why and how did you start your business?

I suppose I feel I was born with a camera in my hand so becoming a photographer and owning a studio was my destiny. I started taking photographs at just 15 years of age, and photographed my first wedding at just 18 years old, which was of my sister in the snow.

After 40 years of having a very successful wedding/portrait photography business turning over millions of dollars during that time.

A camera to me was just a tool. A great tool.  It was a “money making machine.”  

Tell us about the problems you solve and who for?

I am now an International Photography Business Millionaires Academy Expert Interview Questions

 You’ve had great success, what do you credit that to?

I was born I feel an entrepreneur and I have always had an enormous drive for success. Although driven I always needed regular Coach, and with my “5 steps to Freedom” program I coach photographers on growing their business so that they reach the Freedom stage.

Is it important to know your target market and why?

Knowing your target market I think is crucial in growing a business as it defines your Marketing, which in turn can save you from wasting money on Marketing in the wrong ways.

Was it challenging to scale like you have?

It was challenging and did take me 3 or 4 years to understand the coaching environment but I was very fortunate as I had a great coach in my first year of my coaching.

What I learned in those early years gave me a great foundation for my business now.

If you were starting over and wanted to make a million dollars, how would you do it?

If I was starting over I would totally focus on creating a business model that was scalable .  I think that is the key. Of course it is easier to scale a business that is highly profitable too, so I would I would make sure that it was.

I think that the industry that I coach which as I said is portrait photographers is very scalable and I have often thought at opening a studio again.  

 What is required to do it that way?

Any business owner I think must have an open mind, be a decision maker, and have the ability to push through their fears and get out of their comfort zone.

What kind of businesses or personalities does this method suit?

Being a little bit crazy and have a fearless kind of approach to life would be a great asset.

Can anyone do it?

I don’t think any of us know what we are capable of or what our potential really is, unless we go on the journey. Taking that first step is the key. Step by step has always been my methodology. Walk before you run. Be patient.

In your experience, what are the most important areas to get right in your business?

First and foremost it has to be marketing. I think also you have to learn how to hold on to your money.

 What’s your favourite sales funnel, the one that consistently works for you?

I have done a lot of testing with sales funnels and the most effective that I have found are short ones. Ultimately in my industry you have to get on the phone and speak to any potential client. “One on one” is the best communication.

What do you find is most effective for marketing your business?

Facebook Ads by far. We use Boosted posts and keep it simple with the messaging.

Is authority or celebrity a factor in your business?

Authority and experience allows me to charge higher prices.

What kind of business does your system best work for?

Any business can adapt to the 5 Steps to Freedom

What are you plans for the future?

Keep learning, and keep striving to get better at everything I do.

What advice do you have for others wanting to follow a similar path?

Make a plan…Focus on that plan…make small changes as you go on your journey

If you own a failing Photography Business, or are starting a new one….

Create a Booming Photography Business – Grab my FREE Gift here

Every professional photographer at some point in their business needs a coach, because the fastest way to learn any business is to study someone who has been successful at it. This person has already paid the price of experience. You must absorb all of the information that you can out of him or her!

Over the years, I’ve met many people who desperately want to be successful but who are ultimately unwilling to invest in themselves. They think, “I can teach myself. I can learn this on my own.” I’m always dumbfounded by this attitude. If I can avoid making a few mistakes, I’m going to.

Our whole lives are about learning. When we’re young, we attend school. If we’re lucky, our parents impart a few important lessons. If you’ve ever played sports, you’ve had a coach. Education is king. In the long run, finding the right mentor will save you time and money.

However, it goes without saying that some coaches are better than others. There are so many people these days offering their services to photographers online. Before you leap into a new relationship, take some time to get to know a potential coach. The following qualities are what you should be looking for.

1. Experience

The number-one thing to look for on someone’s resume is his or her experience. What exactly have they accomplished? Is it what you want to accomplish? Your coach must have walked the walk.

I feel strongly about this. Find someone that has truly paid their dues and can speak to their real-life experiences. Ideally, this person will have failed and succeeded. Their insight will help you avoid making costly mistakes and increase your chance of success immensely.

The devil is in the details. Ask for testimonials. What are former mentees saying about him or her? Is what’s being said personal and detailed? Always remember to Google for complaints as well.

2. Attitude

In my experience, having a great attitude comes with time and experience. The right coach will have been through it all — and come out the other side knowing a sense of humor goes a long way in business. They are able to see the big picture. They understand it’s all a numbers game. They don’t get too upset. An ideal coach is very patient, but also persistent and determined.

3. Willing to share

A great coach is willing to share all of his or her experiences with you — the good and the bad. Do you get the feeling this person is holding back? That’s not a good sign. You’ll learn the most from someone who is willing to be radically transparent.

4. Expertise in their field

Does your potential coach regularly give lectures? Has he or she written a book? Do reporters interview him or her? It’s impossible to be everything to everyone, and nor is it desirable. If this person offers a long list of services, exercise caution. 

5. Accessibility

You must be able to reach your coach. A good coach will be willing to customize a program for you, because they know one size doesn’t fit all. Does this person care about your problems and concerns? Specifically ask them how much time they have to offer you. What is their schedule and availability like? How many other projects and commitments do they have? Discuss these very important details up front.

6. Support Group

A great coach will have longstanding relationships with people who could benefit you. They should have a strong group of photographers who will support and encourage you.  Ask him or her if they’re willing to open doors for you. Sometimes, it is about who you know.

7. Expectations

Ask your coach what they expect from you. A good coach will keep you accountable. They will outline what they need from you, time and action wise. If they don’t ask how much you’re capable of, that’s a red flag. I would never take on a mentee who told me he or she didn’t have as much time as I thought they should dedicate to a project. A good coach will also from time to time “kick you up the bum” if you need it.

8. A love of teaching

Teaching is a skill that people get better at over time. Good mentors love to help other people. They enjoy the act of teaching. How a potential coach treats you from the very beginning of your interactions is a good indicator of how he or she will act over time. Are they late to the first appointment you set up? That’s not a good sign. You need a coach who is considerate of your time.

9. Holds you accountable

A great coach will not simply let you disappear. Yes, things get in the way. But he or she cares about how you’re doing.

If you’re lucky enough to find a good photography business coach, a coach that you vibe with, you will make a great friend for life. They will enjoy sharing in your success and feeling like they were part of it.

Create a Booming Photography Business – Grab my FREE Gift here

The world wide baby boom a few years ago, created a boom of new born photographers.

Most photographers photograph newborns in a very similar fashion. 

Check this out here….

As a business coach I talk a lot about how a photographer should separate themselves from other

photographers, and stand out from the rest.

The time the majority of Newborn photographers spend on the photography session itself, the culling of the images, the post production, I have heard can be up to 12 hours.

This is an enormous amount of time when you realise that most newborn photographers would average less  than $1,000 per session.

When I photographed newborns, one of the criteria that I set myself was to photograph the baby with its eyes open.

You may think that it is not possible to photograph a newborn with its eyes open, but I did it all of the time.

Just as there is a technique for putting a baby to sleep, so I created a technique for waking a baby up, enabling me to capture a variety of expressions in a short amount of time.

Usually my newborn baby sessions took a maximum of an hour, and my average sales were a lot higher than the majority of newborn baby photographers around today.  

The eyes are the most compelling part of any portrait, for they are indeed the windows to the soul.

A parent rarely sees their newborns eyes, as we know young babies are usually sleeping, crying, or feeding.

My challenge was to capture the heart of the baby, the many different expressions, and the unique

delicate character of a brand new human being, rather than put them into a “one size fits all” prop.

I also set out to record the parents deep love, uncertainty, and great bond with their new addition, so the parents were always included in many of the photographs.

This also helped give some idea of the fragile size of the baby, compared to an adult.

BUT the main reason that I photographed newborns this way, was to give me separation from other photographers, and to maximise my sales, which I was able to do by taking a greater variety of images.

I told my prospective clients that I DIDN’T put babies into unnatural positions, place them into flower pots, or wrap them like they were still in the womb, but that I took a more sensitive and classic approach of producing images that would not date, and that their baby would not be embarrassed to look at on their 21st birthday.

Keeping the photography session to one hour made good business sense, in that I could do many sessions a week, and my post production time was minimal.

As you can see that I am only coming from the BUSINESS perspective, rather than from the creative one.

I love Anne Geddes photography of newborns, that has influenced the thousands of today’s newborn photographers.

The Anne Geddes style is unique, and sits perfectly on her range of products, like the cards, books, and now her new children’s clothing range.

I have not seen anyone come close to her great photography technique or artistic creativity, when it comes to photographing newborns.

It’s ok to be a follower…………. but it’s much better to be a leader like Anne Geddes.

It makes good BUSINESS sense to make the transition to step away from the herd, and create your own unique style of photographing newborns.

I am sure that if, and when you do, you will have a very successful business.

Create a Booming Photography Business – Grab my FREE Gift here

A few years ago, I was a wedding photographer and really enjoyed the excitement of a wedding day.

I was very happy in my wedding photography business, and doing very well, or so I thought.

I was new to business and surprised that people were going to pay me good money to do what I loved.

But fairly quickly things started to break down.

The money seemed good, but I became exhausted after photographing a wedding. So many hours.

In thinking of my future direction, I also realised that I would need to photography heaps more weddings to if I was to scale my business. 

The thought of being away from my family every weekend for years scared me.

 I was starting to burn out more and more from all the hours of photographing, meeting couples, and many hours behind the computer culling and editing.

I did a few “numbers” and found that after all the time, travel, and all the other expenses, photographing weddings wasn’t making me much money at all.

I just could not keep on doing this.

I had missed most of my kid’s sports days, and even the odd birthday or two.

I needed to change what I was doing, as I knew I wouldn’t be able to go on much longer doing what I was doing.

You also may have had that feeling that you were going to crash and burn, just like I did!

I thought that there had to be a better way to earn money from my photography.

A way to make more money without having to work more hours.

I saw lots on the internet in various photographers forums about photographers doing big sales from photographing families, newborns, and pets.

So I decided to give it a go.

Problem was that I didn’t have a studio.

A friend of mine had a spare room in his factory, so I set up a backdrop and a couple of lights, and did a few test shoots on my own family.

I managed to get the hang of it pretty quickly.

Then I did some of a friend’s family, and showed the images the same day on a TV.

Amazingly they spent $1,845 for a wall print and some digital files….nearly as much as I charged for a wedding!

At the exact moment that I made that sale, I had a “light bulb” moment that change the direction of my life.

No more weddings!

I was to become a portrait photographer.

Create a Booming Photography Business – Grab my FREE Gift here

Are you working too much in your Business?

If  the answer is “yes”, you would not be the only one.

I would agree that it very hard to find a good Work/Life balance while running a business.

Today’s new photographers generally consist of  people who have another job, or who are stay-at-home parents bringing up children.

When you get to the point of going full-time, you tend to run out of time to do everything you need to do to grow your photography business.

You may believe that by working extra hard, that “one day” you will reach the point where you will have a perfect work/life balance.

In my experience you are kidding yourself.

The more your business grows, the more time it takes to run the business.

I know that your kids are only young once, and life is too short to work all the time.

You may put a great deal of time into all aspects of your business, and you don’t want to push your children away.

The big question is how do you handle it? Do you keep very small? Do you do less? Do you get a part time job so that photography is only a small portion of your income?

But will this give you more time with the family?

From my perspective and in my forty years of experience, long-term balance is just not possible in your photography business. You have to sacrifice family time if you have a photography business. The scheduling of portrait sessions and weddings demands it.

So What Do You Want?

Ask yourself what it is that you want from your business. Whatever it is you may not find the perfect answer. Maybe you will never make enough money, or have enough family time.

Running a successful photography business is hard.  There will be good times of course, but there will be down times.

There are no secrets. You will have to work hard. Take risks. Do things that maybe you don’t want to do. Invest money. Make mistakes. Change things often.

Do You Have A Red Balloon Mentality?

Here are a couple of quotes from an article in The Weekly Review, on Naomi Simson, the founder of Red Balloon, who started her business 12 years ago, now employs 60 people, and has a turnover of over 50 million dollars. She has two children.

“I don’t agree with the term work/life balance. We have one life, not two. There’s not work and then there’s life. If we don’t love what we do every day, find another job, because life’s too short”.

Her children she sends to boarding school.

“We wanted to teach our children resilience, responsibility, and respect, and boarding is a great way for them to get that.

Which parent ever stops worrying? Of course I worry about our children. There’s not a day that I don’t wake up and miss my children, and wish they were here with me, but it’s not about me.”

Is It Worth It?

So it really is a matter of attitude. I am one of those fortunate photographers that have loved every day of running a studio. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Even the bad times were good!

And yes, I maybe sacrificed a few things along the way, like time with my family.

But was it worth it? You betcha! I have two very successful grown up kids, and still love what I do every day.

Reaping the Rewards.

Now that you have let go of all of the excuses that may have been holding you back, you are free to go after the photography success that you deserve!

It’s you that is getting in your own way. Focus and move forward toward your goals.

Need help to fast track your success?

Create a Booming Photography Business – Grab my FREE Gift here

Wasn’t it good?

What a memorable and amazing year 2020 has proved to be.

Although the world was hit by the pandemic, I  haven’t seen so much growth in the portrait photography industry for many years.

As a photography business coach, I have seen so many personal business records were broken with my clients.

One photographer had more turnover for the last six months of the year than the whole of the previous financial year! That is amazing!

Many of my clients recorded at least one record sales month, Brian and John to name a couple, while many achieved record individual portrait sales, the highest being an amazing $16,362. Well done Marie.

Five clients are creating new studios. One has almost finished converting a stand-alone two storey factory building, into a striking, contemporary dual studio set up. Very exciting Richard.

Lauren has converted her garage at home into a great studio/sales area facility, while Jessica, who after many years of working out of home, has moved, totally renovating a shop on a vibrant outer suburb, into her dream studio.

Facebook has been the King of Marketing, with hundreds of thousands of turnover created for my clients using my suggested simple Facebook  Ad strategies.

Business growth is the name of the game, and that will be the total focus in the upcoming months.

If your business isn’t growing in some way, shape or form, then it is dying!

Achieving growth takes dedication, time, doing a few things outside of your comfort zone, and knowing what to do.

Certain words and phrases not to be used next year will include “I haven’t got time”, “can’t”, “I can’t afford it”, “I thought that”, “it’s too hard”, and “I assume”.

These will be replaced with “test and measure”, “ok, let’s do it”, “I love doing new things,” “I love the business side of things”, “I love Marketing”, and “I cannot fail if I try my best to grow my business every day.”

My philosophy for business has always been “ If It Is To Be…..Then It Is Up To Me.”

Start the new year with new enthusiasm and positivity.

Need some help?

Let’s have a FREE Zoom session where I can give you a plan of action for your business growth.

Simply email me bernie@berniegrifiths.com with the subject line FREE ZOOM

Imagine if you photographed Families, Pets, Newborns, Headshots, Babies or Boudoir, and you had someone to take you step by step through setting up Facebook ads that got you at least 100 leads each time.

Imagine if you didn’t have to do any follow up phone calls to all of your leads, but instead

that you had someone doing it for you and you paid them just on a commission basis.

Where you paid them per booking.

This would leave you more time to do what you do best…take photographs.

Sounds good Bernie, but it must cost a lot

Create a Booming Photography Business – Grab my FREE Gift here

Imagine this,

Imagine you’re in the middle of having a great in person sales session with a client.  

You have built a great rapport with them, they appear happy with everything, and you have almost become like good friends.

But now it’s time to tell them the cost of what they want to buy.

And you have to ask for the money.

You start to get an uneasy queasy feeling in your stomach and you start to stumble on your words, afraid to say the price.

Your sweaty armpits get really itchy as you fear your potential client will say “No,” or freak out at the cost.

Negative voices drift into your head telling you that you’re not worth the amount that you have told them.

There has to be an easier and less stressful way for photographers to do their selling. 

Go here to check it out.  

You will discover how you can to overcome your “salesfright” when talking about your products and pricing.  

A proven step by step system that allows you not to sell anything, but rather let’s the customer buy.

“Bernie’s Soft Sell System will allow you to never feel self-conscious or afraid again when doing your in person sales sessions.  

You’ll also discover the simple strategies to doing a sales presentation that gets your clients feeling that you are worth what you charge, and you BELIEVE it too!

Follow the selling strategy and you can get rid of those sweaty armpits for good.

Create a Booming Photography Business – Grab my FREE Gift here